newb question

[airmann889]

My names henry and i am checking out an rv tomorrow for the prospect of living full time in it. I work full time in the military. my only hobbies i have are mechanics and im an amatuer body builder. is there anything i should be looking for tomorrow when i look at this rv. are there any tips or links you guys can give me to make the transition easier and living in it less expensive. my highest bill is my food bill i consume allot of food weighing 232+ lbs off season and 200 contest season. grocery bill is around 400-600 dollars. just a brief intro on how i spend my money. and also take into consideration my full time companion princess leia my english bulldog. i also live in wyoming where it is cold a majority of the time. please any tips would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Ziggy Moon]

Hey airmann889, I don't have answers for you, but I'm positive you're gonna get a lot of help.<br><br>But also, I'm wondering, <span id="post_message_1278299883">and I know this may be a long shot, but </span>being that you're an <span id="post_message_1278299883">amateur body builder - do you happen to know of a NPC Competitor named Chantelle Emch, who is </span><span id="post_message_1278299883"><span id="post_message_1278299883">married to AF military man and both </span></span><span id="post_message_1278299883"><span id="post_message_1278299883"><span id="post_message_1278299883">living in </span><span id="post_message_1278299883"><span id="post_message_1278299883">Wyoming</span></span></span>?<br> <br><br></span>

 

[airmann889]

I actually know of them don't really talk to either. i used to work with her husband indirectly but that's about as far asany relations go.

 

[Ziggy Moon]

Small World... <span id="post_message_1278300100"><span id="post_message_1278299883">Chantelle is actually my second cousin, one of many cousins from the NC mountains. However, I haven't seen her in over 15 years (she was just a child) and I have never met her husband or children.<br></span></span>

 

[my_vantasy]

We learned about water damage or leaks in an RV the hard way. Be very cautious because even if the seller says the leaks have been fixed, there is very likely damage done that you can't see. Any mention or signs of leaks or water damage is a deal breaker for us.

Good luck in your search and keep us posted!

 

[TxGypsy]

I second the advice about water damage. &nbsp;That seems to be the scourge of RV's. &nbsp;<br><br>This is strictly a personal opinion, but I'd rip out any dinette that is built in. &nbsp;Danged things are uncomfortable and take up lots of usable space that you could instead use for kitchen counters and food or kitchen equipment storage. &nbsp;So for me, I'd make sure there was nothing under the seats that couldn't be removed.<br><br>Check the tires for dry rot. &nbsp;Don't just look at the tread....look for cracking in the side walls. &nbsp;Tires are really pricey for RV's, so if you need to replace 4-6 tires...you are looking at a large expense. &nbsp;<br><br>Thank you for your service to our country!

 

[airmann889]

I've picked up from the websites I've looked at that water damage is a big one. That's number one on my lisr to check plus the tires. Do you think $2000 is a fair price for a. 1984 28 ft itasco only issue that the owner said was it needs two new rv batteries and needs some cleaning up inside so guess I'll see tomorrow before work. And thank you.

 

[airmann889]

Here's pictures of the outside. If it does have a dining table I'll be sure to take your advice and rip that out. I am very adamant about storage space.

 

[DollarJoe67]

Wish I would have done the same while I was in the AF.&nbsp; Then when you recieve a new assignment (assuming its stateside, and maybe if its not) you can just roll your house with you and it probably counts as a DITY so you can get paid for it.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Wyoming, huh?<br><br>I get the impression that most RVs and Travel Trailers are not really designed to live in full time in cold weather.&nbsp; The people who build them assume that the owners will either only use them seasonally, or are snowbirds who will spend their winters in the south or southwest.<br><br>The issue is the plumbing.&nbsp; The water tank and holding tanks are hung underneath and are usuually neither insulated nor heated.&nbsp; <br><br>Spend any time in the mainstream RV forums and you will find a bunch of threads describing the problem, asking for ideas to avoid it, how to thaw frozen tanks, etc.<br><br>I've heard&nbsp;that a few Canadian manufacturers actually design their products with this problem in mind, but they tend to be more expensive than regular RVs.<br><br>Regards<br>John

 

[airmann889]

Are the water tanks metal or plastic?

 

[Morgan7600]

Hi Henry,&nbsp; It's Morgan in San Diego.&nbsp; This is off subject as far as your RV shopping goes and I wish you all the best with that.&nbsp; I always considered myself an amateur bodybuilder.&nbsp; I have a great natural physique and can easily transform my body.&nbsp; A few years back, I learned I had Chronic Bronchitis COPD and began taking all sorts of nasty drugs.&nbsp; The worst was Prednisone.&nbsp; This drug weakened me so much that my body felt like crap and I stopped working out.&nbsp; A mistake I will regret to the end of time!&nbsp; Since I'm always trying to finish the endless remodel on this old house, I was lifting a new window last year and tore my bicep tendon clean off of the bone.&nbsp; The injury is not very painful but doctors all gave me the run around because of my age and it never got fixed.&nbsp; The end result has been a depression about my body and now I'm in terrible shape.&nbsp; I want to get back to it but have a psychological problem I just know it...&nbsp; I hear myself saying what the hell, you are worthless now with only one pretty arm! (my arms always got me a lot of compliments)&nbsp; I tell myself that I can still have great abs..&nbsp; still make one arm look great and still work on my legs and that it's just one small part of my body and not the end of the world so to speak but have yet to get motivated again...&nbsp; Any suggestions...&nbsp; I know, get off your ass and into the gym!!!&nbsp; Right!&nbsp; Take care out there,&nbsp; Morgan

 

[wagoneer]

The only advice I can offer is "lean is mean" they stuff these (usually) with outdated fluff I would go for a light as vehicle as I could too many dinosaurs out on the road. Think about breakdowns /towing/access to repairs think Mr buddy think StoveTec. It does not read that you will be boondocking? Oh! Welcome aboard soldier.

 

[AimlessWanderLust]

A little off topic, but I must disagree with the statement that a dinette/table is a waste of space.&nbsp; I have found that a fixed table is among the "must have's" for me.&nbsp; It's the best place to work on the computer, eat, play cards, plan adventures with maps etc., .... the list goes on and on.&nbsp; Yes, storage is important, but a fixed table is more important in my opinion.&nbsp; I have found the RVs with removable table that affixes in front of the couch worthless.&nbsp; It is always a pain to mess with and they are wobbly and unstable.&nbsp; Just my two cents!

 

[ontheroadagain]

I have purchased 3 rv's over the years and the best advice I can give is "make the owner demo everything he says works". run the water in all faucets and showers. look for leaks everywhere. start the AC and the heater. demo the frig running on gas and electric if equipped. Light the hot water heater and verify the water gets hot.<br><br>Have him demo all the lights on exterior act.ually work, blinkers, running lights, stop lights, backup lights. (rv's can be buggers to follow wiring for lights)<br><br>flush the toilet several times. go out and verify the tank is not leaking<br><br>Ask the owner to use his hose to flood the roof with water from front to back. search interior for leaks. spray all windows from exterior and look for leaks inside window frames.<br><br>If he is not willing to let you leak test the rig... I would walk away.

 

[highdesertranger]

very good advice from on the road.&nbsp; as far as the dinette think before you tear it out most have storage under the seats.&nbsp; ziggy isn't everyone from the north Carolina mtns cousins?&nbsp; just kidding.&nbsp; highdesertranger

 

[Ziggy Moon]

Yep, highdesertranger - I'm so glad my mama moved to Florida before I was born, or I'd probably be my own Grandpa! <img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img">

 

[frickinducky]

Don't know how far in process you are, but a word of advice, if looking at a unit with an older awning, get the small ball ended bungy cords. It he arm locks are made of cheap metal. It may look secure, but there is nothing quite like the sound of an awning letting loose at 55. Secondly, in areas you can't see along the bottom, use your fingers to feel for dry rot. Lastly, avoid sellers not willing to have a professional inspect it if you can afford to do so. Oh, and if possible, give the roof a good dousing with a hose.

 

[Terry]

Hey ya'll, aren't we talking about a two thousand dollar motorhome? Make sure it runs good, the brakes are good and the transmission. Check out all the other things at least just to get to know the vehicle. make sure it is pretty structurally sound. You can stop leaks with products on the market now. You can learn to fix most things on the machine. At 2 grand, your saving enough to fix things. Make sure everything is greased well. Have someone listen while you roll the rig slowly at each wheel for squeaking of bearings, and squeaking, or grinding like metal on metal, brakes when applying the brakes. Be prepared to replace tires. Enjoy yourself with all the money you've saved and the knowledge you've acquired while checking/fixing on you motorhome. One other thing. Don't take a leaking exaust for granted on these type vehicles. Fix that ASAP. you don't want to catch on fire going down the highway from an over heated exhaust leak.

 

[Zil]

or fall asleep with CO poison.